Peaceful Republic Day in J&K amid tight security

No untoward incident was reported during the official celebrations anywhere from the valley, reports Rashid Ahmad.

The Republic Day passed off peacefully in Kashmir on Republic Day. No untoward incident was reported during the official celebrations anywhere from the valley.

However, separatist political and militant groups had called for a shutdown on the occasion of Republic Day. The unprecedented security arrangements had further curtailed the civilian movement.

The capital Srinagar wore a curfew-like look. All the main road and streets in the city, particularly in the uptown area, were dominated by security and police personnel, restricting the civilian movement to a naught. The civilian movement was strictly banned on all the roads leading to the Bakhshi stadium, where the main official function was held.

Agriculture minister Abdul Aziz Zargar took salute on parade and hurled national flag on the occasion. Contingents of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, BSF, IRP, ITBP, Fire and Emergency Services, Home Guards, NCC cadets, school children besides women police took part in the parade. Zargar also inspected a guard of honour. School children presented cultural programmes on the occasion.

The day dawned in nightmarish way for the residents of Saraibala, Magharmal Bagh, Solina, Jawahar Nagar, Wazir Bagh, Gogji Bagh, Hazoori Bagh, Lal Mandi and other localities surrounding the stadium. The residents in these localities were kept in virtual siege.

All the lanes, by-lanes and main roads were taken over by the security personnel. The security forces had also occupied several houses in these localities as part of security measure to thwart any attempt by militants to disturb the R-Day celebrations. The residents were not allowed to move out of their houses till the function ended in the stadium at noon.

The civilian movement was restricted at Lal Chowk, Koker Bazar, Residency Road, Abi Guzre, Regal Chowk and Moulana Azad Road as well. The other parts of the capital city also wore deserted look with residents choosing to remain indoors.

A small group of BJP activists, amid tight security, appeared at the Lal Chowk and unfurled national flag at Ghanta Ghar. Reports of peaceful celebrations of Republic Day also poured in from other parts of the valley.